The Radford family have shared a new update on daughter Tillie Radford's recovery following major surgery to reconstruct her knee and lengthen her leg.
The 16-year-old, who appears alongside her family in Channel 5's 22 Kids and Counting, is continuing to recover in hospital after undergoing the complex procedure at Alder Hey Children's Hospital.
Providing an update to followers on social media, the family said Tillie was making good progress and had managed to get out of bed and sit in a chair for the first time since the operation.
They wrote: “Tillie is doing really well. She has managed to get out of the bed to sit in a chair but can only really tolerate that for around 20 mins as she's struggling with the thigh bone that they've broken to put the rod in, but all in all she is recovering well.”
The family also thanked a supporter named Dawn for sending Tillie a balloon and card during her recovery.
The latest update comes after the Radfords revealed that Tillie had undergone a lengthy operation to address a leg length discrepancy caused by a serious bone infection she suffered when she was just 18 months old.
The infection damaged the growth plate in her left leg, causing it to stop growing at the same rate as her right leg and eventually leaving it around 3.5cm shorter.
Tillie's recent operation involved a full knee reconstruction and the fitting of an external fixator to gradually lengthen the bone.
Earlier this week, the family said the teenager had experienced a difficult first night after surgery but was already beginning physiotherapy and showing determination in her recovery.
The Radfords had also hoped to bring Tillie's brothers and sisters to visit her in hospital and asked followers for recommendations for nearby campsites.
In the latest update, the family revealed they had taken some of the children out of school because of childcare difficulties while they continued to support Tillie during her recovery.
They added that eldest daughter Aimee had been “amazing at holding the fort back home” while the family remained focused on Tillie's rehabilitation.
The post also coincided with brother Archie's birthday, with the family saying they would share a separate message celebrating the occasion.
The update was met with more messages of support from followers, many of whom have been tracking Tillie's progress since her operation.
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One person commented: “Lovely to see Tillie is doing well. And hope she makes a speedy recovery.”
Another added: “Wishing Tillie a speedy recovery and Archie a happy birthday!”
Meanwhile, Dawn Ord, who sent Tillie the balloon and card mentioned by the family in their update, wrote: “Take care Tillie, pleased you liked your balloon xx.”
The supportive messages come as Tillie continues to recover from the major operation, with fans closely following her progress and offering encouragement throughout her rehabilitation
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